In an effort to curb distracted driving, Colorado has announced a new law effective January 1, 2025, that forbids the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. This legislation mandates that drivers must employ hands-free accessories if they wish to use their phones on the road.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will roll out an extensive awareness campaign over the next few months. This initiative will leverage social media, paid advertisements, and partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure that all residents understand the new regulations and safe driving practices.
“This new legislation is a crucial step toward making Colorado’s roads safer for everyone,” stated Shoshana Lew, CDOT’s Executive Director. “By encouraging drivers to focus solely on the task of driving, we can reduce the number of distracted driving incidents and prevent crashes that often come with such behavior. This law aligns with best practices from across the nation and reflects our commitment to protecting all road users, whether in a vehicle, on a bike or walking.”
According to CDOT’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report, a staggering 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while behind the wheel. Of those, 45% indicated that having a hands-free feature could deter them from using their phones.
Research highlights that engaging with a mobile device while driving can multiply crash risks by two to six times.
CDOT’s press release underscores the heightened risk distracted drivers pose to vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Between 2015 and 2023, fatalities in these groups surged by 50% and 112.5%, respectively, while the state’s population saw less than an 8% increase.
By 2025, 30 states, including Colorado, will have enforced a ban on handheld phone use while driving. This law is designed to minimize accidents and fatalities linked to distracted driving.
“Colorado joins 29 other states in prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving,” noted CDOT in their statement. “States with similar laws have reported decreases in distracted driving crashes. In Michigan, a 2023 law banning hand-held cellphone use led to a 12.8% decrease in distracted driving crashes within the first year.”
Fines for breaching the new law start at $75, accompanied by two points on the driver’s license for the initial violation. However, first-time offenders can have their charges annulled by showing proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Those who repeatedly offend will incur higher fines and more points on their licenses.
“For a long time, troopers have been able to detect when someone is driving distracted by a vehicle weaving between lanes, delayed starts at stop signs and lights, not to mention seeing a phone or other device in a driver’s hand,” remarked Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “This legislation allows us to address risky and careless behaviors in a proactive way to increase the safety of all roadway users.”
With the deadline looming, CDOT urges drivers to start refraining from phone usage while driving. To aid compliance, drivers should consider investing in hands-free devices like dashboard mounts or car speakerphone systems.
Exemptions to the law are provided for those reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officials, animal protection officers, first responders, and individuals in stationary vehicles. These exceptions ensure that vital communication remains unaffected during emergencies or essential operations. To discover more about Colorado’s hands-free law, visit codot.gov/handsfreeco.
Source: Truckers News
